Levi, Sturgess Frontrunners for Guardians of the Galaxy

The lead role of Peter Quill, the part-human/part-alien hero better known as Star-Lord, in Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy is close to being cast.

Variety reports that the two frontrunners are Cloud Atlas' Jim Sturgess and Chuck's Zachary Levi, who is currently playing Fandral in Marvel's Thor: The Dark World. (He replaced Josh Dallas in that role.)

Sturgess was among the five actors who recently screen-tested for the role; Levi was not in that group. "Marvel is said to be impressed with (Levi's) Guardians test and open to continuing their relationship. Marvel has had its eye on Levi for a while, as he had been in talks to play Fandral in the original Thor before NBC decided to order more episodes of Chuck," says the trade.

Variety adds, "While Levi and Sturgess remain frontrunners to play Star-Lord, sources caution that an unnamed third actor may be tested after the holidays."

Guardians of the Galaxy, to be directed by James Gunn, opens August 1, 2014.